Heroin is a highly addictive drug derived from morphine, a substance taken from opium poppy plants. It is typically sold as a white or brown powder or as a sticky black substance known as “black tar heroin.” It can be injected, smoked, or snorted, and it rapidly enters the brain, where it binds to opioid receptors, inducing intense feelings of pleasure and relief from pain. Dependency and addiction can happen quickly and easily, and heroin withdrawal symptoms pose a real threat to a person’s health and well-being.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an estimated 14,000 Americans died from heroin-related overdoses in 2019 alone. Furthermore, nearly 500,000 people in the United States had a heroin use disorder in that same year. These statistics underscore the severity and widespread nature of the heroin crisis in our country.
Insight Recovery Center offers heroin addiction treatment in North Carolina. Our compassionate, professional team provides comprehensive behavioral health services to treat substance use disorders and any co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Learn more about our programs and services or get started with treatment by calling 828.826.1376 today.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms – Physical, Mental, and Behavioral
When a person dependent on heroin attempts to stop using the drug, they often experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms occur because the body has become accustomed to the presence of the drug and struggles to function normally without it. Long-term heroin abuse only makes these heroin withdrawal symptoms more severe.
Physical Symptoms
- Severe muscle and bone pain
- Restlessness and agitation
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Cold flashes and goosebumps
- Uncontrollable leg movements
Mental and Behavioral Symptoms
- Intense cravings for heroin
- Anxiety and depression
- Paranoia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Social isolation
If you or a loved one struggles with a heroin use disorder and is displaying these symptoms, please seek help. Without professional addiction treatment, there are very few happy outcomes to long-term heroin abuse.
Addiction Treatment and Long-Term Heroin Abuse
Overcoming heroin addiction is not a journey to embark on alone. Professional addiction treatment centers like Insight Recovery Center in Asheville, NC, offer comprehensive and tailored programs to help individuals overcome their addiction in a safe, supportive environment.
At Insight Recovery Center, you’ll find a team of dedicated professionals who understand the complexities of addiction. They offer a range of services, including the following:
- A partial hospitalization program (PHP) offering around-the-clock supervision and treatment
- An intensive outpatient program (IOP), which is often a step down from the PHP as part of the continuum of care for addiction treatment
- Aftercare programs for when treatment is completed provide continuing educational resources, support groups, and sober activities.
These services are designed not only to help individuals stop using heroin but also to address the underlying issues that contribute to addiction and provide the tools necessary for long-term recovery.
Therapies for Heroin Addiction Treatment
At Insight Recovery Center, we offer a range of proven, evidence-based therapies to help overcome heroin withdrawal symptoms, especially those brought about by long-term heroin abuse. These proven and effective therapies include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Relapse prevention therapy
- Dual diagnosis
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
In addition, holistic approaches such as equine therapy and yoga are incorporated into personalized treatment plans. 12-step programs and other supportive resources are part of the robust aftercare program offered by Insight Recovery Center. Professional addiction treatment offers the best chance of a successful recovery.
Contact Insight Recovery Center Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, don’t wait. Reach out to Insight Recovery Center today. Their compassionate team is ready to guide you on your path to recovery. Remember, it’s never too late to seek help and start a new chapter in your life.
We accept most major insurance providers and are in-network with Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Contact Insight Recovery Center online or call 828.826.1376 to get started on the road to recovery and improved well-being.